$500,000 bail set for man accused in niece’s death
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Bail is $500,000 for a Big Island man charged with manslaughter in the death of his 3-year-old niece.
A Hawaii County prosecutor says a judge found probable cause at a preliminary hearing Thursday, moving the case against Ezekiel Wakinekona forward.
Marley Makanani was found unconscious at his home Friday and was pronounced dead Sunday after being flown to a Honolulu hospital.
The medical examiner’s office says she died of brain damage from a near drowning and injuries from abuse.
A 2-year-old and a 6-year-old who also lived in Wakinekona’s home were taken into protective custody. The state is finding relatives to care for the girls.
Wakinekona is also charged with two counts of abuse for injuries on the girls. He could not be reached Thursday at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
